Grist reported that construction is underway in Georgia on America’s first new nuclear reactors in three decades.

The Guardian reported that thousands of towns, cities, and landmarks turned off their lights on March 23 as part of Earth Hour, showing concern for the environment.

GreentechMedia noted the promise of securitization as another vehicle for solar finance.

Greenbiz highlighted a new, award-winning air cooling technology from NREL that “just might revolutionize air conditioning.”

Bloomberg New Energy Finance released a new report, “Renewable Reserves: Testing the Concept for the U.S. and Brazil.” The report explores a way to evaluate reserves for renewables such as wind, solar, and biofuels in a way that enables comparison with fossil fuel reserves, concluding that renewable reserves are much larger than originally thought.

The Guardian reported that the EU is rolling closer to car efficiency test reform, considering revised test standards that will more accurately assess the equivalent of MPG.

GreentechMedia, citing an IMT study, noted that energy-efficient homes are 32% less risky for lenders, with lower levels of payment risk and default.

Greenbiz reported that FedEx has increased the fuel efficiency of its fleet by 22 percent, and aims to hit 30 percent by 2020.

Automotive News reported that automakers gave the NHTSA feedback on a proposal requiring EVs to make more noise.

The Guardian reported that the U.K.’s Energy Secretary gave the go-ahead for what could be the first new nuclear power plant built in that country in a generation.

GreentechMedia reported how new financing tools are moving renewables “from Wall Street to Main Street.”

Grist reported that Maryland is one step closer to realizing an offshore wind farm.

AutoblogGreen reported that the U.S. DOE is offering an additional $50 million for the development of better EVs, focused on issues such as vehicle weight, powertrain cost, and battery cost.

The Guardian, citing a Grantham Institute report, noted that natural gas could reduce carbon emissions by displacing coal-fired generation, but that it would be risky to assume natural gas prices will remain low in the future.

GreentechMedia noted that New Jersey recently became the third state to surpass 1 GW of installed solar capacity.

Grist reported that a new 100 MW concentrated solar power plant southwest of Abu Dhabi will save 175,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year, but may also allow the region to export more of its crude and gas for fossil fuel-thirsty nations.

AutoblogGreen reported that Ford COO Mark Fields expects EVs to comprise up to 25% of sales by 2020.

The Guardian reported that Peugot unveiled a “hybrid air” car at the Geneva auto show, which promises to be cheaper than a Prius, boast better than 80 mpg, and be in production by 2016.

Grist reported that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the country’s biggest municipal utility, announced a plan to phase out all coal-fired generation by 2025. Coal currently supplies close to 40 percent of the city’s power.

Autoblog reported that a new demonstration tractor trailer (from Cummins and Peterbilt) boasted a 54 percent increase in fuel economy over current trucks.